Free each Volume 33 month Issue 1 A community-based newspaper serving the Puget Sound area since 1981

January 2014 Articles translated into six languages

The newspaperTheThe of Neighborhood House VoiceVoice — visit our website at www.voicenewspaper.org IRS issues warning about telephone tax scam The magic of volunteers By Voice staff meant to mimic a call site. The caller will threaten the victim with The IRS has issued a warning about jail time or driver’s license revocation. a telephone scam that targets taxpayers, After hanging up, another scammer will including recent immigrants, around the often call, posing as the local police or country. DM V. Victims of the scam are told they owe If you believe you are the target of a money to the IRS, and that payment must tax scam, do not cooperate with the caller. be made promptly through a pre-loaded Hang up the phone. If the person persists, debit card or wire transfer. report the incident to local police. The If the victim refuses to cooperate, they IRS does not ask for sensitive informa- are then threatened with arrest, deporta- tion, such as credit card or social security tion or suspension of a business or driver’s numbers, over the phone, and does not license. In many cases, the caller becomes contact taxpayers via email. When initiat- hostile and insulting. ing contact for late payment of taxes, the When contacting targets of the scam, IRS will first contact the taxpayer by mail. callers will use a fake name and give a If you believe you’ve been targeted by fake IRS badge number. They may also the scam, the IRS recommends reporting recite the last four digits of a victim’s the incident to the Treasury Inspector social security number. General for Tax Administration at 1-800- The scammer will spoof the IRS toll- 366-4484 and to the Federal Trade Com- free number on caller ID when making mission by accessing the “FTC Complaint their calls, and will sometimes follow up Assistant” at FTC.gov. Photo by Tyler Roush phone calls with bogus emails that are said If you do owe back taxes to the IRS, Chung Ping Lam, of Beacon Tower, entertains the crowd with a magic show at the to originate from the IRS. you can contact them at 1-800-829-1040 Resident Leadership Development Team’s third annual volunteer recognition event. Lam Victims might hear the background to arrange payment. was one of 18 volunteers recognized for service to their communities. For the full story noises of a busy call center on the line, and more photos, see Page 3. In the company of from soft drinks to sports cars), his many There’s more than one incarnations around the world have a differ- Kris Kringle — some ent, sometimes darker, story to tell. jolly, a few terrifying St. Nicholas The story of Santa Claus doesn’t begin By Tyler Roush with , but he is the figure The Voice editor most closely associated with the modern legend. Nicholas, who lived from 270 – 343 His cheeks and nose are flushed, his CE, was the Greek Bishop of (in what mouth shrouded in a long gray beard. He is today part of Turkey). But how did the wears a fur trimmed coat and leather pants, patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, all bright red. And on chilly winter nights, thieves, children, students and pawnbrokers he can sometimes be seen riding a flying become the model for Santa Claus? wagon that streaks across the sky. The answer can be found in the most But enough about . famous legend of Saint Nicholas. There Oh, you were expecting Santa Claus? is the story of a poor man who had three Around the world many different ver- daughters. Because he lacked the money sions can be found of the jolly elf who to afford a dowry for his daughters, they delivers presents to good little boys and would not be able to marry or improve their girls on Eve. And while the station in life. Seeing this, Saint Nicholas Wikimedia Commons - Public domain image contemporary image of Santa Claus is visited the home of the poor man and his An image by an unknown Austrian artist circa 1896 depicts a visit by St. Nicholas and known throughout North America (and daughters under cover of night, and tossed to a typical Viennese family. While St. Nicholas (our modern-day Santa Claus) used around the holidays to sell everything three purses filled with gold coins down the looks on at right, Krampus stoops to scold a (presumably) naughty child.

Neighborhood House Nonprofit org. In this issue Jesse Epstein Building U.S. postage PAID 905 Spruce Street Seattle, WA Health Notes Page 2 Seattle, WA 98104 Permit #8887 text message service aids healthcare enrollment Seattle Housing News Page 3 honoring community volunteers Translations Page 7

Our Communities Page 8 introducing a new section 2 – THE VOICE JANUARY 2014 Health Notes Protecting your A column devoted to your well-being personal information Be safe and avoiding scams

By Kelly McKinney validity of his/her claim first. New text message service aids Seattle Neighborhood Group There is no hurry; despite what the caller or person sending you the email may say. health insurance enrollment Happy New Year! If he/she pressures you to make a quick What a better way to celebrate the new decision that is your cue to be suspicious. King County residents can subscribers will get local event informa- year than making sure your money stays in When you try to confirm the identity of your pocket and not in the pocket of some someone requesting information or money, text King + ZIP code to tion customized to their ZIP code. “These days, many people want to con artist trying to make a quick buck. do not use the contact information he/she 468311 for help nearby receive information by text message, So in the spirit of the occasion here are provides you. This information may look particularly young adults,” said Dr. David some things to remember about scams, real, but it may be bogus. Instead, look up By Public Health – Seattle Fleming, Director and Health Officer for cons, ID theft and fraud. the business or government information & King County Public Health – Seattle & King County. Remember to keep your personal infor- online or in the phone book. “This new service makes information mation private. These days everyone from If the caller is a government agency or Text King + a ZIP code to 468311 and about local enrollment events accessible the NSA to social networking sites wants to a collection agency, they should send you Public Health – Seattle & King County’s to anyone with a cell phone.” know everything about you. As more and a letter prior to making any phone calls. new text messaging program will send The new texting program also sends more companies gather information about Request written documentation before information about upcoming health insur- reminders of how to sign up for insurance what we like, whom we know, and how to agreeing to send any money or information ance enrollment events customized to that online and by phone. reach us, it becomes very easy to be compla- to any person or organization. ZIP code. For more information visit: http:// cent about who we give our information to. Hopefully these tips will help you to “Now it just takes a quick text to find coverkingcounty.com/textupdates. Be careful about giving personal infor- prevent any problems in the upcoming the most convenient place to sign up for mation or money out to just anyone or any new year. affordable healthcare” said King County Providing effective and innovative organization that asks for it. If someone Executive Dow Constantine. health and disease prevention services for calls or emails you asking for information Kelly McKinney (206-323-7084) and Al- For people who would prefer to get over two million residents and visitors of or money, confirm who they are before lan Davis (206-323-7094) are Community in-person assistance signing up for health King County, Public Health – Seattle & giving him/her anything. Never give out Education Coordinators for Seattle Neigh- insurance, the program eliminates the King County works for safer and healthier your social security number, bank account borhood Group. Call Allan or Kelly for need to search online or call for convenient communities for everyone, every day. numbers or bank PIN numbers. Never give crime prevention information or help with enrollment event locations. Every week, More at www.kingcounty.gov/health. money to someone just because you are your safety and security concerns. told you must do so, without checking the

Joulupukki Santa Much like , Joulupukki Continued from Page 1 has his origins in the pagan traditions of Northern Europe. And like Sinterklaas, chimney. (In one version, the coins land in he is modeled after Woden — the Anglo- a pair of stockings that one of the daughters Saxon counterpart to the Norse god Odin. had hung out to dry, becoming the original Joulupukki is said to ride a flying sleigh. But stocking stuffer.) where Santa Claus is led by flying reindeer, The feast day of Saint Nicholas is Dec. Joulupukki’s traveling companions are a 6; following the Protestant Reformation of team of goats. (His name literally translates the Catholic Church in the 16th Century, from the Finnish as “Christmas goat.”) Saint Nick evolved into Santa Claus, and And unlike Santa, Joulupukki is thought he became associated with the Dec. 24 – 25 to be averse to climbing down chimneys. holiday of Christmas. Instead, he will come to the front door on , knock politely and ask if Sinterklaas there are any good children at home. Wikimedia Commons - Public Domain images A winter figure celebrated by much of Images of Odin — Above, Germanic Europe (including present-day Belsnickel “Odin the Wanderer,” by Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg According to modern tradition, it is Swedish painter Georg and parts of Germany, Austria and Swit- widely known that Santa is said to deliver von Rosen, 1886. Left, as zerland), Sinterklaas is closely associated lumps of coal to naughty children. But what Wodan, leading the wild hunt with Saint Nicholas and is the basis for the if Santa Claus doesn’t work alone? What if in “Wodan’s wilde Jagd,” name “Santa Claus.” the bad children are visited by a different, by German artist Wilhelm But Sinterklaas himself is inspired by far less benevolent figure? Wägner, 1882. Known by an altogether different figure — Odin, the Belsnickel, one of the companions of many names, the supreme god supreme god in Norse mythology who was Saint Nicholas, is a crotchety old man of Norse and Anglo-Saxon worshipped by the Germanic people on pre- dressed in furs, said to visit the homes of mythology is said to be an Christian Europe. Odin rides across the sky naughty children in the weeks leading up to inspiration behind the legend atop a gray horse; Sinterklaas flies above Christmas. His clothes are ragged and torn, of Santa Claus. rooftops astride a white horse. Sinterklaas his face twisted and vile, and he carries a Another figure associated with Odin, Traditionally celebrated in Germany, the carries a staff, Odin wields a spear. And stick in one hand, with which to punish Belsnickel originated from the Palatinate legend of Krampus spread throughout cen- while Sinterklaas is said to deliver letters the children for their misdeeds. Though region of southwestern Germany; the tradi- tral Europe; in Austria, Bavaria, Hungary, of chocolate to children, Odin gave rune naughty children most often escape from tion also exists in parts of Newfoundland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia and letters to man. Belsnickel’s grasp unharmed, the experi- the prairie provinces of Canada and in the Croatia, young men would dress up as the Today, Sinterklaas is the Santa Claus ence is said to be so terrifying that they Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. horned figure and cause mischief on Dec. figure who visits children in many parts are scared into good behavior for the rest 5, or Saint Nicholas’ Eve. of Europe. of the year. Krampus Given his resemblance to a devil or Of all the manifestations of the legend demon, the Catholic Church made efforts The Voice of Santa Claus, none is more sinister than to squash such pagan celebrations among the people it sought to indoctrinate into Editor Reporters Krampus. Whereas Saint Nicholas brings Tyler Roush Matthew Anderson gifts to good children and glad tidings to the church. But the legend persisted, and 206-461-8430, ext. 227 Kristin O’Donnell their families, his companion Krampus today he still appears in Krampus themed [email protected] descends upon the homes of the naughty holiday celebrations in Europe and around ones, seizing them in his sack and carrying the world. them away to his lair. The Voice, the newspaper of Neighborhood House, is published monthly with the support of Seattle Depicted in Germanic folklore as a So if you hear a rapping at your door this Housing Authority. Neighborhood House helps diverse communities of people with limited resources beastly creature with the horns and legs of winter, think twice before opening up — it attain their goals for self-sufficiency, financial independence and community building. The Voice contrib- a goat and a body covered in fur, Krampus might just be Krampus with a very unmerry utes to that mission by providing low-income people, immigrants, refugees and other concerned parties with timely, relevant news. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the staff, Neighborhood is a Christmas nightmare brought to life. holiday surprise. House or Seattle Housing Authority. We welcome articles and tips from the community and reserve the right to edit all submissions. The Voice is published online at www.nhwa.org and at www.seattlehousing.org.

The voice January SEATTLE HOUSING NEWS 2014 News and information about Seattle’s neighborhoods - visit our website at www.voicenewspaper.org Honoring the volunteers who make a difference in their communities RAC, RLDT host third annual volunteer recognition event

By Tyler Roush The Voice editor

They are the silent heroes of a commu- nity, doing their work not for recognition but because they believe in effecting positive change. And they don’t seek the limelight, their efforts do not go unnoticed. Resident leadership groups took time to celebrate the volunteers living in Seattle Housing communities. The Resident Action Council (RAC) and Resident Leadership Development Team (RLDT) hosted its third annual volunteer recognition event Satur- day, Dec. 16, honoring dozens who help to make a difference in their communities. “There are many volunteers around the community, and we don’t always recognize what they do,” said Susan Irwin, who co- chaired the event with Troy Smith. “Today Photo by Tyler Roush our community comes together to say The Resident Leadership Development Team gathered Saturday, Dec. 14 to honor some of the many great volunteers living in Seattle ‘Thank you’ for all of those efforts.” Housing communities. Pictured from left are volunteer recognition awardees Irma Anderson, Ernest Tyson, Jr., Glenn Slemmer, Kristin O’Donnell, RAC president and Debra Bays, Robert Mull, Sufuan Chen, Dean McBee, Rachael Harding, Larry Wisdom, Jim Bush, Cinda Lium, Ellie Rhoads, Doug member of the RLDT, said that volunteers Morrison, Halima Jaarso and Chung Ping Lam. Below, Doug Morrison, a member of the Seattle Housing Board of Commissioners help in many ways — accompanying a and a longtime member of the Resident Action Council, received a special commendation for his lifetime of service. neighbor on a trip to the doctor, delivering a meal to a shut-in, staffing a computer lab, do your best every time.” member Anitra Freeman (see Page 8). organizing a block watch, or cleaning up The 18 volunteers and community A bountiful holiday meal, which includ- litter at a park. groups recognized last month live in many ed turkey, chicken, roast, roast vegetables, “All of this service, all of this kindness, different neighborhoods and hail from eggplant parmesan and mashed potatoes, adds up to a lot,” O’Donnell said. backgrounds as diverse as the communities accompanied the program. Smith volun- So many volunteers are also advocates in which they live. But all have at least one teered his efforts as head chef. for social change, she added. The work thing in common — a commitment to serve The event was paid for through resident is not often easy, it’s difficult to be heard, others. Each was individually recognized participation funds. and efforts are not always successful. But during the two-hour program. winning or losing does not define the cause Brenda Neth provided musical accom- Honoring those who serve justly fought, as O’Donnell noted, quoting paniment on flute and piano. Before awards activist Marian Wright Edelman: “You’re were conferred, O’Donnell read a poem Please see “Volunteer” on Page 8 not obligated to win — you’re obligated to about volunteering, written by community

Introducing Mike Chen, senior property manager Blessed Sacrament a welcome resource By Tyler Roush wants to ensure they receive the resources The Voice editor and support they need to succeed. A lifelong resident of the Seattle area, for U-District residents in need Mike Chen doesn’t have to look far Chen grew up in Bellevue before enroll- By Matthew Anderson sistance, furniture, clothing, and other basic to be reminded of the need for safe and ing at the University of Washington. He Special to The Voice necessities. decent housing in said he knows the city and its communi- The Church has a Sunday dinner pro- Seattle. ties well. The Blessed Sacrament Church has been gram that is a staple to the surrounding The newly hired Chen comes to the housing authority helping people in the University District for neighborhood. The program began with senior property man- from the private sector, where he said many years, and has been a beacon of hope young adults bringing sandwiches to the ager, who manages the profit-driven nature of the job didn’t to the Seattle Housing Authority residents hungry on University Way. It wasn’t long 13 Low Income Pub- suit him. He wanted his work to be about nearby. until then-Pastor Father Joseph Fulton lic Housing prop- serving people and communities, not The Church is located at 5050 Eighth Ave urged the youth to begin inviting the home- erties in the south corporations. NE, and was founded in 1908 by the Do- less to the Church for a hot Sunday meal. end, has 15 years of “I wanted to work for the people, rather minican Friars, upon the request of Bishop What evolved from these humble begin- property manage- than working for a large corporation with Mike Chen O’Dea to care for the students and residents nings under the management of the St. ment experience. a profit motivation,” Chen explained. “For of the University District. The Church was Vincent de Paul Conference was a weekly As he watches his own parents age, me to come to (the housing authority) is completed on Oct. 4, 1925. food bank and a Sunday Dinner that now Chen said he’s reminded that it’s difficult like a breath of fresh air. I feel like I’m Since 1921, The Blessed Sacrament serves 300 to 400 meals a week. The weekly for many seniors to find housing. Work- helping many people here.” Conference of the Society of St. Vincent meals are a Godsend. ing for the housing authority, Chen said, Part of that commitment to helping de Paul has provided a number of outreach A large percentage of low-income resi- was a chance to work for an organization people means ensuring that his residents services to church parishioner and members dents continually face the problem of food that connects people to housing. are satisfied. He encouraged residents to of the University District. Currently, Joan insecurity. It is not uncommon on any given As a senior property manager, Chen contact their assistant property manager Kirkland is the president of the Blessed Sunday to see a great number of residents said he’s committed to providing safe, de- or property manager if they have a rou- Sacrament Conference of the Society of from the University House and University cent and affordable housing to residents tine maintenance issue. But for questions St. Vincent de Paul, and there are 17 active West at the Sunday dinners. I recently at- of the Seattle Housing Authority, and or comments, he said he wants to hear members. She provided me with informa- tended the Sunday dinner with a group of ensuring that they receive the best pos- from his residents. On-site managers will tion on all the important work they are fellow U-House residents who rely on the sible service. For his own staff, he said he pass on messages. doing in the community. These services include food, rental assistance, utility as- Please see “Blessed” on Page 6

The voice 4 – SEATTLE HOUSING NEWS JANUARY 2014 At Greenbridge, building community and vocational skills Residents learn sewing skills at Neighborhood House class; similar program offered at High Point By Voice staff

A new program at Greenbridge is helping residents build vocational skills and a sense of community at the same time. The brainchild of the Greenbridge Community Action Team, the vocational sewing class brings together about two-dozen women from the community to improve their sewing skills. Neighborhood House and King County Housing Authority help sponsor the program. Many of the women hope to leverage experience in the class into creating and selling craft items on Etsy, a popular website that offers handmade goods by individual sellers, according to program organizer Jen Calleja of Neighborhood House. The nine-week program, which concluded in December, proved quite popular with attendees, and a waitlist is forming for the next session. The courses are led by volunteer instructor and industrial engineer Deborah Vandermar, who also volunteers with Neigh- borhood House’s Youth Empowered with Leadership Strengths program in the High Point neighborhood. The Greenbridge Community Action Team hopes to expand the program in 2014 and is currently seeking donations for more sewing machines. (Many of the machines are currently borrowed

Photo by Neighborhood House from a similar program offered at High Point.) Women at Greenbridge participate in a vocational sewing class at Wiley Center. To donate a sewing machine, volunteer or for more informa- tion about the program, contact Calleja at 206-832-9656. Somali speakers can contact Maryan Mohamed at 206-856-2646. Get help with ESL, citizenship or getting your GED Seattle calls for comprehensive immigration reform City council passes one of hard to make sure immigrants are fully strongest resolutions in included in our community and in our prosperity. Congress needs to stop the country, urging all groups be delays and pass a strong, comprehen- included in reform sive immigration reform that meets the needs of all immigrants,” said outgoing By Office of Immigrant Mayor Mike McGinn. and Refugee Affairs The resolution establishes policy priorities in support of Federal Com- The City Council unanimously ap- prehensive Immigration Reform and proved a resolution today strongly identifies nine specific policy areas supporting federal comprehensive im- that include an accessible road map to migration reform. citizenship for all individuals living in Unlike similar resolutions adopted the United States, family reunification, across the country, the Seattle resolution and providing dignity to immigrants in includes specific language calling for employment and court. the needs of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, “All residents benefit from the di- the transgendered, the disabled, and versity and culture of immigrants; it women be met by a reform bill. is mutually beneficial to us all,” said The resolution was endorsed by mem- Councilmember Bruce Harrell. “Seattle bers of the City’s Immigrant and Refu- is home to a vibrant immigrant com- gee Commission, the Seattle Women’s munity, from the active Chinatown- Commission, the Seattle Human Rights International District to the dynamic Commission, the Seattle Lesbian Gay neighborhoods of South East Seattle. Bisexual Transgender Commission and Our nation must rise up to the chal- the Seattle Commission for People with lenge and work together to provide a Disabilities. path forward so the opportunity is there “Seattle has long been home to immi- to become citizens through a fair and grants from across the globe. We work orderly process.”

Literacy Source, a community-based nal Diploma Program, a nationally recog- About The Voice adult literacy nonprofit located in Fremont, nized alternative to the GED. offers free ABE, ESL, and citizenship- The next session begins Jan. 13. If you preparation classes and tutoring for all have any questions, contact info@literacy- The Voice is a monthly newspaper published by Neighborhood House with adults (16 or older) who are permanent source.org or to visit theirwebsite at www. financial support from Seattle Housing Authority. The Voice is developed and residents of the US. literacy-source.org. edited by Neighborhood House with help from Seattle Housing residents and staff. The group also offer the National Exter- It strives to provide a forum for objective news and information of interest to low- income people and those living in Seattle Housing communities. If you’d like to submit an article, or if you have a question about anything you’ve Visit our website: read in this publication, please contact Editor Tyler Roush at 206-461-8430, ext. 227 or by e-mail at [email protected]. voicenewspaper.org All submissions are subject to editing for accuracy, style and length. • Exclusive content • Updated weekly • Share articles over email or on Facebook Photo courtesy of michael maggs / wikimedia commons

The voice JANUARY 2014 SEATTLE HOUSING NEWS – 5 Yesler redevelopment progresses to Phase 3

By Sven Koehler our respective roles moving forward,” explained Van Dyke. Seattle Housing Authority Vulcan is currently conducting feasibility studies in three blocks in the heart of Yesler Terrace. No land has Over the past year at Yesler Terrace, relocation activities been sold yet, as it is standard practice for developers to in advance of construction have become part of the daily study the site in detail before signing a Purchase and Sale routine. By New Year’s Day, over 130 families will have Agreement. However, in keeping with the commitments relocated from their apartments before they are scheduled to residents that Seattle Housing Authority has followed for for demolition in the second phase of redevelopment. the previous phase, the agency is giving residents advance That trend is now set to continue in 2014. Close on the notice that their apartments may be demolished in one and heels of Phase 2, the next area of redevelopment has been a half years time. identified. Another 112 households will get an 18-month The 18 month notice should give ample time for prepara- advanced notice of construction in mid-January, which tion and planning for moves before actual redevelopment signals the start of the relocation process for Phase 3. can begin. Residents in the next phase will receive a letter Residents heard firsthand about the next steps in the in mid-January announcing that they may receive relocation redevelopment project at the Yesler Terrace Community benefits, which includes moving assistance and financial Council meeting on Nov. 19. Stephanie Van Dyke, Director reimbursements. There will be several meetings at Yesler of Development for the Seattle Housing Authority, shared Terrace to explain the letter and the upcoming relocation how the project will proceed with the agency keeping the process (see sidebar). Master Developer activities in-house rather than partnering Each household will have an individual appointment with a private company. Vulcan Real Estate had been in with the relocation staff to discuss the relocation process negotiations to take that role. Instead, that firm is focus- and their preferences for where they would like to move. ing on developing the first entirely market-rate portion of For example, in Phase 2, more than 60 percent have moved Photo by Tyler Roush the project. off site, while the remainder decided to transfer to other The construction crane, recently raised at 1105 East Fir, “We had lengthy, thoughtful conversations about what units on site that will be redeveloped in the future. This is a sign of the progress of the Yesler redevelopment. roles would work for us, and we are both very happy with ratio may be different in Phase 3. Newly redeveloped apart- offices to be located in a vacant area on the corner of Yesler ments are scheduled to be completed before the relocation and Boren. However, residents are assured that actual con- deadline, and some residents will have the chance to move struction in Phase 3 is over a year and a half away. Meetings about Phase 3 relocation there directly. The current Yesler Terrace management offices are also The relocation appointments for Phase 3 begin in Febru- part of Phase 3. Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m. ary, starting with families with children in school. This “This means that the property management staff will Epstein Building, 905 Spruce Street gives the families time to plan their relocation with an eye be sharing in the relocation experience along with the Amharic/Tigrinya interpreters toward minimizing the impact on school performance by residents,” according to Fitsum Abraha, the Senior Prop- moving in between school years, either this summer or erty Manager. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. next summer. The Phase 3 area also includes 25 apartments remain- Yesler Terrace Community Room, 810 Yesler Way There are 69 apartments located in the Phase 3 area ing in the block between Eighth Ave and Broadway where Vietnamese/Cantonese/Khmer interpreters north of Yesler Way, between Boren and Broadway. The relocation for Phase 2 is wrapping up. Construction at the apartments along Boren have a front-row seat for the con- renovated Steam Plant adjoining the site is almost complete. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. struction of the first new public housing buildings in Phase The Epstein Building, an older red brick building next Epstein Building, 905 Spruce Street 1 of the project, located at 1105 E. Fir Street. In this area, to the Steam Plant, is also part of Phase 3. The building Somali/Oromo interpreters the 100 foot tall crane looms large at the construction site is currently the venue for many community meetings. The across the street. Steam Plant will provide some replacement meeting space Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. Similar to what occurred in Phase 2, residents in Phase in mid-2014. Neighborhood House has offices in the build- Epstein Building, 905 Spruce Street 3 may notice some preliminary construction-related activi- ing, and it is also home to The Voice publisher. So, there Spanish interpreters ties. There will be drilling rigs sampling the soils. There is sure to be an insider’s perspective on relocation in this are plans for a few containers that will house contractor publication in the future. Sign up now for Neighborhood House citizenship classes By Neighborhood House • 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. (high level) Languages spoken on site: Spanish, The next session of Neighborhood French, Somali, Vietnamese, Burmese, House citizenship classes begins Mon- Russian, Ukrainian day, Jan. 6. Neighborhood House offers free Citi- Valli Kee Community Center zenship courses and other services to 23401 104th Ave SE, Kent residents of King County. Eligible clients Tuesday and Thursday are legal, low-income, permanent resi- • 10 a.m. – noon (high level) dences of the United States who live in • 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. (low level) the general area. Enrollment is open year Languages spoken on site: Spanish, round. The group studies American his- French tory, naturalization questions and other components of the Citizenship exam. Wiley Center at Greenbridge Courses include practice in writing, read- 9800 Eighth Ave SW, Seattle, 206-461- ing, and mock interviews. Also offered is 4554 free assistance with N-400 applications, Tuesday and Thursday fee waivers and medical waivers. • Noon – 2 p.m. (high level) Documents required for enrollment • 2 – 5 p.m. (low level) include a green card, social security card, Languages spoken on site: Spanish, driver’s license, DSHS letter and/or low French, Somali, Vietnamese, Burmese, income-verification. Russian, Ukrainian, Khmer Those wanting to learn more about the Neighborhood House citizenship pro- High Point Center gram are invited to a Citizenship Open 6400 Sylvan Way SW, Seattle, 206-588- House event Jan. 7. 4900 The open house is scheduled from 11 Thursday a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Valli Kee, •1:30 – 4:30 p.m. 23401 104th Ave SE in Kent. Languages spoken on site: Spanish, French, Somali, Vietnamese, Burmese, Neighborhood House Citizenship Russian, Ukrainian Sites For more information about Neigh- Birch Creek Family Center borhood House citizenship classes, 13111 SE 274th St, Kent, 253-277-1667 contact instructor Rechelle Schimke at Monday and Wednesday [email protected] or 206-446-1097. • 1 – 4 p.m. (low level) Please recycle me

The voice 6 – THE VOICE january 2014

It’s the new year — have What you need to fill out the FAFSA • Your Social Security number or or welfare information, real estate, stock you filled out your FAFSA? resident alien registration card or bond investments, family business or • Your driver’s license or identifica- farm info By Tyler Roush questions about FAFSA and financial aid tion card The Voice editor as well as the list of what to bring. • Your income information, including Things to know Each workshop lasts between two to bank statements, W-2 or pay stub (if you • You can use last year’s tax return to For college students, college-bound high four hours, although the FAFSA applica- have a job) and last year’s tax return (if estimate your current tax information schoolers and their parents, Jan. 1 isn’t just tion may be completed in as little as 30 you filed) and submit the FAFSA. If you do this, the start of the new year — it’s also the day minutes. For more information, visit www. • Your parent, if you are under age you will update and make corrections for students to start thinking about com- collegegoalsundaywa.org. 24 and are considered a dependent (the after you file your taxes. pleting their Free Application for Federal FAFSA will help you determine if you are • Changes can be made to your submit- Student Aid, or FAFSA. FAFSA workshops in the Seattle area considered a dependent or independent if ted FAFSA as early as three days after The FAFSA is the most important appli- you are younger than 24) submitting. cation for financial aid, and is a requirement • Chief Sealth High School, 2600 SW • Your parent’s financial information, • You must be a US citizen or legal for most scholarships, grants and loans. The Thistle St including bank statements, W-2 or pay resident to submit a FAFSA. However, federal deadline to apply is June 30, 2014, Thursday, Jan. 9 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. stub and last year’s tax return your parents do not need to be citizens but the sooner you complete your FAFSA • Your parent’s Social Security num- or legal residents. application, the better—the availability of • Cleveland High School, 5511 15th Ave S, ber, if they have one state financial aid in Washington is deter- in the library • Any additional financial information, Information from College Goal Sun- mined on a first come, first served basis, Thursday, Jan. 16 from 2:30 – 6 p.m. such as child support statements, TANF day, www.collegegoalsundaywa.org. so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of maximizing your financial aid. • Franklin High School, 3013 S Mt Baker To help students and their parents navi- Blvd, in Rooms 311 and 312 • Rainier Beach High School, 8815 Seward Branch, 9125 Rainier Ave. S gate the FAFSA application process, Col- Monday, Jan